Indian cuisine is consistently winning millions of hearts worldwide. People are becoming aware that it isn’t just curry or spices but a grand blend of various delectable dishes. However, you can find many of these dishes, or their variations, in different countries.
However, there are a few dishes that you should try in India. Why’s that? Because the authenticity of the Indian dishes and their style might surprise you and your taste buds. With that thought of authenticity and lip-smacking taste in mind, here are the must-try dishes when you visit India:
Chicken Tikka Masala
Who doesn’t know about chicken tikka masala? The dish has taken the world by storm. Even Justin Beiber once confessed it was his favourite Indian cuisine.
Many social media influencers claim that it is now Britain’s national dish. But let’s put all that aside. If you want to experience the authentic taste truly, it is a must-have dish in India.
The flavorful blend of spices in the well-marinated chicken with yoghurt, tomatoes, and cream will leave you wanting more. While naan goes best with the dish, you could take it up a notch with the Garlic Naan for a new experience.
Butter Chicken
In the list of Globally Awarded or Recognized Indian Culinary, Butter Chicken makes it to the top of the list. The smooth, buttery, creamy texture that melts with the tandoori chicken pieces is an experience you should reward your taste buds with.
Butter chicken is not just another dish on the list; even Indians love it as an evergreen choice for almost any occasion or weekend meal.
Much like the chicken tikka masala, Butter Chicken goes well with naan or garlic naan, but you could also enjoy it with tandoori roti and other local bread options. Some people prefer to have it with the soft and translucent roomali roti.
Biryani
Biryani is like the heartbeat of every non-veg lover in India. The pristine basmati rice with aromatic spices and soft chicken or mutton pieces is easily among the top 10 Indian Dishes. While we share our mutual hatred for cardamom found in the Briyani, it doesn’t stop us from loving it.
Most importantly, while Chicken Briyani is commonly found and readily available, you should try mutton briyani. Moreover, many combinations exist, such as Hydrabadi Dum Briyani, Sadabadi Briyani, and so on. You can try any of these, and you won’t be disappointed.
Shahi Paneer
Let’s take a break from the non-veg wonders. What’s there for the vegetarians of the world? While India has many options like Dal Makhani, Curries, and more, Shahi Paneer is another well-awarded and recognized dish.
Many people love comparing it to the Butter Chicken’s veg counterpart. Still, real food fans know there is much more to the thick texture, spongy cottage cheese, and the hint of sweetness with spices that make Shahi Paneer a favourite, even amongst non-vegetarians.
Dosa, Sambar, & Idli
Let’s delve deeper into the coastal and southern sides of India. There’s no doubt that you will find many fantastic seafood options, especially in Goa. But those are the things you’re bound to try on your visit to India or its iconic locations.
Among our list of top 10 Indian Dishes, we love to put Dosa, Sambar, and Idli as the ultimate trinity.
Sambar goes well with Dosa and Idli. And it is the only kind of curry that you need to experience or eat in India.
At the same time, dosa is a unique bread that is crispy and baked on a pan with a material known as Suji. Often, dosa is accompanied by an assortment of chutneys like tomato, pudina and coconut, and ‘masala’, a combination of potatoes and spices. Dosa is in the soul of every family in India, and it is something you should try.
Chola Bhatura
Since we are talking about Indian cuisine that resides in a person’s soul, Chola Bhatura (also called Cholay Bhature) is another guilty pleasure you must have. You are usually served with cholay, a well-cooked recipe with the paste of tomato, ginger, and garlic that is served with bhatura, authentically cooked in oil. If you’re worried about health, plenty of healthy food chains serve chola bhatura.
Delhi is the best place to try it, as you won’t be disappointed. Different varieties, such as Pan-Cooked Chola Bhatura, Pindi Cholay Bhature, and many more, are also available. You can try any, and you might still fall in love. Remember to finish the meal with either buttermilk or lassi.
Mutton Korma or Stew
The Mughal Empire has been a significant part of Indian History. It has also offered us several unique non-vegetarian Indian cuisines that are in our hearts. In Old Delhi, you will find hubs like Karim’s, where you can enjoy authentic Mutton Korma or Mutton Stew. Nalli Nihari is another one of the popular dishes available in Winters.
However, Mutton Korma or Stew is something that you will remember. The Khameeri Roti, or Sheermal, is one of the finest delectable, and if you’re a foodie, it will quickly become one of the top 10 Indian Dishes during your visit.
Dal Bati
Up Next is a dish from Rajasthan with a unique cooking method of dal in Handis, with Bati. Batis is rounded bread cooked intensely in a tandoor-like manner, but it is a Chula with exposed flames. Then the batis are drenched in the desi ghee, another fantastic assortment in India.
There are many authentic Thalis that you will try if you take a Rajasthani tour. However, Dal Bati is something you should go out of your way to ask a person and enjoy to your heart’s content. Often, there are motichoor laddos or even additional side dishes with the Dal Bati that you will enjoy.
Paratha
We have recommended Naan several times and even mentioned Dal Bati, Roomali Roti, and Sheemal. But if there’s another authentic dish that you should try, then it is the parantha. Paranthas come in various options like potato-stuffed paratha, onion-stuffed parantha, and many more. If you genuinely wish to enjoy the original taste, opt for Potato Stuffed Parantha cooked in desi ghee, served with butter (or makkhan), and dahi (Yogurt) on the side, pickles, and perhaps a glass of lassi or something else.
Once you eat it, you will find yourself filled with joy and energy. While many dishes could make it to the list, we put parantha due to their simplistic nature and varieties, which still make them thoroughly enjoyable.
Halwa
And finally, it is only the right thing to do by ending on a sweet note. Among several Indian Culinary Experiences, you will come across many unique sweets. There will be Jalebis (known as Honey Pretsels), Rasgulla, Gulab Jamuns, and more. Yet, the level of sweetness varies. One thing that you can try almost everywhere with unique ingredients is Halwa.
Besan Halwa, Dal Halwa, Suji Halwa, Aata Halwa and many other options exist. Whenever you visit a restaurant and want to end with something sweet, feel free to ask for the variety of halwa they serve. If they don’t, feel free to order anything else, but Carrot (Gajar) Halwa and Moong Dal Halwa are a must-have and easily fall among the top 10 Indian Dishes of all time on this list!
